Egypt offers everything from history to natural beauty and seaside vacations. In Egypt, you can just relax or incorporate your hobbies and sports activities into the trip. Some options include hiking, surfing, kiteboarding, diving, sea or Lake Nasser fishing, bird watching, stargazing, meditation, architecture, culture, and wellness. Egypt’s ancient history, with its pyramids, temples, tombs, and museums, is fascinating. The stunning scenery along the Nile River, which you can explore on a cruise and also by hot air balloon over Luxor, is captivating. Sandy and rocky deserts offer tranquillity, a timeless atmosphere, and a play of colours that the sun paints from sunrise to sunset. And do not forget the enchanting underwater world of the Red Sea, which you can easily explore by snorkelling or diving. The powerful energy of pyramids and temples makes Egypt a perfect place for meditation. The sun, dry air, and mineral-rich sands of Safaga can help with conditions like psoriasis and arthritis. The joy and warmth of hospitable locals accompany you every step of the way.
Safety: Tourism is a significant sector of the Egyptian economy and a source of foreign currency, so the authorities are making extensive efforts to ensure the safety of tourists. In recent years, they have increased the number of security personnel and police officers near tourist facilities, implemented numerous checkpoints, and strengthened the tourist police force. They have also invested heavily in road construction to improve traffic safety. The RTS Agency is particularly attentive to organizing trips to places generally considered safe and always ensures all necessary permits or the presence of tourist police. As locals, our representatives and guides are well-informed daily about any potential security risks (for example, in cases of adverse weather, road conditions, or events with higher security risks), and they are well-equipped to handle such situations and make appropriate adjustments to ensure the safety and well-being of our travellers. Our previous travellers have always had positive experiences.
10 reasons to visit Egypt:
Mysterious Pyramids and the Sphinx: The Great Pyramid of Giza is the last remaining wonder of the ancient world, accompanied by the colossal statue of the Sphinx, a half-human, half-lion figure. The mystery of how these mighty monuments were built remains unsolved to this day. Standing next to them, you may feel small and marvel at the skill of their builders.
Ancient History: Egypt is home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world, with a rich history featuring pyramids, temples, and numerous other archaeological discoveries adorned with hieroglyphics, one of the oldest writing systems, and reliefs depicting life in ancient Egypt. When visiting these landmarks, you immerse yourself in the mysterious world of the pharaohs and their understanding of life and the world.
The Magic of the Nile River: The Nile is Egypt’s lifeblood. Cruising on the Nile or Lake Nasser allows you to admire a colourful landscape, a blend of blue water, green banks, and the golden-yellow desert in the distance. Life along the Nile is picturesque and transports you to a different, simpler world where people still live in harmony with nature.
Sunny Beaches: You can relax in the warm sun on sandy beaches along the Red Sea all year round. Well-known destinations like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada offer plenty of entertainment but can be quite crowded. Many other lesser-known coastal spots can provide peace and a true escape. The Mediterranean coast from Alexandria to Marsa Matrouh beckons with its long white sandy beaches.
Diving and Snorkelling on Coral Reefs: Explore the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea, filled with coral reefs, tropical fish, and various marine organisms. A unique experience awaits at Ras Mohammed National Park in Sinai, where corals and colourful fish are less than 20 meters from your tent, making it safe for even younger children to snorkel.
Picturesque Desert Landscapes: Enjoy off-road adventures in the desert, whether by 4×4 cars or on foot. You can choose from unusual landscapes with geological formations in the White and Black Deserts, vast dunes in the western part near the Siwa Oasis, or rockier deserts along the Red Sea and in Sinai. Everywhere, you will be captivated by the tranquillity, timelessness, and the play of colours that the sun paints from sunrise to sunset. And then surrender to the spectacle of thousands of stars in the night sky.
Rich Culture: Visits to museums and the Alexandria Library showcase the skills and habits of ancient inhabitants. Traditional markets, folklore, and other cultural performances demonstrate that creativity still thrives today. Egypt is known for its craftsmanship and quality products made from papyrus, alabaster, copper, ceramics, textiles, natural oils, and cosmetics.
Local Cuisine: Egypt boasts a rich culinary tradition shaped over centuries, blending various influences, including ancient Egyptian, Arab, Ottoman, and Mediterranean cuisines. Try new dishes, savour the flavours of the Orient, and explore the magic of spices, which you can also buy at local markets to take home.
Friendliness and Hospitality: Egyptians are known for their hospitality and friendliness, sharing smiles and jokes readily. You will experience a warm welcome and feel at ease everywhere you go during your visit. They particularly adore children, making travel with them a breeze.
Diverse Experiences for Everyone: From history and architecture to sunny beaches, desert safaris, diving, and snorkelling on coral reefs to exploring vibrant cities, Egypt offers a diverse range of experiences. You can combine all of these into a single trip and spice it up with some unique experiences or add some of your hobbies.
For those who know Egypt well, we can offer new and different ways to enjoy your vacation and do what you love. There are many exciting places and experiences hidden far from mass tourism. With information about what you can do in Egypt and interesting sites, we can help create your unforgettable vacation programme.
What Can You Do in Egypt Besides Seeing the Pyramids?
Nile cruises
The Nile River offers a relaxing and culturally rich experience, with the opportunity to explore the historical sights of Upper Egypt. You can embark on a one-week cruise between Aswan and Luxor on one of the large Nile cruise ships, take a shorter four-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan, or take a three-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor. Cruise ships come in various classes and styles, catering to different preferences. However, during peak season, some popular excursions can be crowded. For a more private and luxurious Nile exploration, consider a dahabiya, a traditional 19th-century luxury sailing boat typically accommodating 12–20 passengers. Adventurous travellers can also opt for felucca sailing on the Nile, a type of sailboat used in ancient times, although it lacks the comforts of larger vessels.
Lake Nasser cruises
Unlike the many Nile cruise ships, there are only four large ships and a few smaller ones on the other side of the Aswan High Dam in Lake Nasser. The shores of the lake are mostly uninhabited, making it a serene journey through the former Nubian kingdom and its main attractions, dominated by Abu Simbel. The voyage from Aswan to Abu Simbel on a large ship takes four nights, while the return journey from Abu Simbel to Aswan adds three nights to the trip. Smaller private boats offer a more flexible itinerary, with cruises lasting from three to seven days.
Beach holidays
Coastal vacations have become a significant source of income from tourism in Egypt, with new hotels continuously under construction and resorts expanding along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coasts. Besides the sun and the beautiful sea with its rich underwater world, these resorts offer many hotels of all categories, numerous entertainment venues, and plenty of daily excursions, allowing tourists to create truly memorable vacations. Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab in Sinai, as well as Hurghada, Safaga, and Marsa Matrouh, are the most well-known resorts. However, you may not have heard of the Egyptian Maldives. The Mediterranean coast seems more popular among local tourists, especially during the summer, to escape the heat and humidity of Cairo. The sandy beaches around Alexandria and westward toward Marsa Matrouh could also be a pleasant and peaceful holiday destination in spring and autumn.
Observing the underwater world
Snorkeling is one of the favourite activities of tourists vacationing in resorts along the Red Sea. If you love the underwater world, it’s best to choose a hotel with direct access to coral reefs right from the beach. Resorts also offer daily boat trips, tours with glass-bottom boats, and mini submarines. In Sinai, you can explore national parks by car. In Ras Mohamed and Abu Galum parks, camping is also available.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are plenty of ways to enjoy real scuba diving. You can stay at one of the resorts and simply take a diving course, go on day trips, or join a week-long diving safari on a boat at the best spots along the Egyptian Red Sea coast. A completely different experience is diving around Alexandria, where you can explore lost underwater treasures from the Greco-Roman period.
Other hobbys and interests
Hiking. There are many hiking opportunities in the Egyptian desert or the mountains of Sinai. In the White Desert, you can stroll through a landscape of incomparable beauty. In Sinai, you enter the Bedouin world, and experienced guides can take you on shorter or longer Sinai treks through the desert or into the higher mountains.
Surfing and Kitesurfing. In Sinai, Dahab is known as a paradise for surfers and kiteboarders, catering to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. With its lagoon, warm water, and wind almost every day of the year, your surfing holiday will be perfect. Similarly, the Blue Lagoon, slightly north on the peninsula, is a haven for kiteboarders. If you’re looking to explore different and less touristy places, we can also organize surfing in Sinai in Ras Sudr or El Tur. From Hurghada to Marsa Alam, there are also many great locations, as it tends to be quite windy further south.
Golf. Golf courses can be found throughout Egypt, with many new ones built every year. You can enjoy golf holidays in one place, such as Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada, or embark on a golf journey across Egypt and try out different courses. Many clubs organize tournaments, and you can join them to test your skills against other players. If you’re interested, we can provide information about tournaments in various locations.
Fishing. The Red Sea is an obvious choice for fishing big fish, but there is another excellent fishing spot – Lake Nasser. There, you can catch giant Nile perch, catfish, tigerfish, and carp. Many anglers have achieved their record catches on Lake Nasser. Other good locations include Lake Qarun in the Fayum Oasis and Al Gameel near Suez.
Bird Watching: Birdlife in Egypt is rich, especially in the Nile Delta, Nile Valley, and lakes. Egypt is home to 153 known bird species, including the sunbird, golden oriole, white stork, pelican, flamingo, heron, and ibis. Raptors in Egypt include eagles, hawks, falcons, vultures, owls, kites, and harriers. Besides the diversity of indigenous birds along the Nile and around the lakes, a special event is the bird migration through Egypt, both northward and southward.
Astronomy: Egypt could be considered the birthplace of astronomy, and its museums showcase ancient instruments and records found in temples. The desert sky, mostly clear throughout the year with minimal light pollution, offers some of the best stargazing opportunities. You can also arrange a visit to an observatory in Helwan.
Geology: The Egyptian landscape is highly diverse, and especially in Sinai and the Western Desert, there are spectacular geological formations and sedimentations.
History: Egypt is one of the oldest and most developed civilizations, making it a paradise for history enthusiasts. Some of the most important historical figures are associated with Egypt, and their legacies can be found in various places. A historically themed trip through Egypt will show you what people knew back then and how much we have learned from ancient wisdom.
Religion: Traveling through ancient Egypt can teach you about ancient Egyptian gods, cults, and worship. If you want to explore Islam, Cairo, with its thousands of mosques and Al-Azhar University, is the best place. You can also delve into Coptic Christianity. A fascinating story can be told if you follow the footsteps of the Holy Family when they fled to Egypt. You can also visit the St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai and Mount Sinai, believed to be the birthplace of the Ten Commandments.
Meditation: Spirituality has a long tradition in Egypt, and there are many peaceful spots with special energy known since ancient times. We can guide you to those special places in temples and nature that will add a unique touch to your meditation.
Natural Healing: Many sources of modern medicine can be found in Egypt. In Safaga, seawater and mud from coral reefs have created black sand, an excellent remedy for rheumatism and psoriasis. The sea is 35% salty, and scientific research shows that 40% of the sand in Safaga contains three radioactive minerals: uranium, thorium, and potassium, which help treat psoriasis, joint pain, and skin inflammation. In the Siwa Oasis, rheumatism is treated with hot desert sand and a special diet. We can connect you with a health centre and organize the rest of the logistics. Joint pain treatment is also possible in Aswan, where the atmosphere is very dry.
Zanimivi kraji v Egiptu
Greater Cairo Area
Cairo is the political, economic, and cultural center of Egypt, home to a quarter of its population. This vibrant city is an excellent stop on your journey if you want to blend history, culture, entertainment, and shopping. With over 20 million residents, it’s a colorful, cosmopolitan, and culturally rich city that you can either love or hate due to its noise, smells, crowds, chaotic traffic, and street life. In any case, Cairo offers unique experiences. You can explore the most famous pharaonic monuments like the Great Pyramids in Giza, the Sphinx, or incredibly rich museums of Egyptian antiquities. In the Citadel overlooking the city, besides the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, there are several museums with more recent history. Nearby Al-Azhar Park, a green oasis in the city, offers a wonderful panoramic view of the city of a thousand minarets. In the Islamic part of Cairo, you’ll find numerous impressive mosques such as Al-Azhar, Ibn Tulun, and Al-Hussein, intertwined with narrow streets and interesting architecture. Here, you can also visit the famous Khan El-Khalili market. In Old Cairo, you can explore Coptic monuments like the Hanging Church, the Monastery of St. George, and the Coptic Museum. In the city center, Tahrir Square, a landmark since the 2011 revolution, is where crowds of protesters used to gather. Of course, modern Cairo also has its attractions, such as the Cairo Tower, the Opera, and the emerging political capital of New Cairo. Additionally, Cairo boasts many excellent restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment options.
Memphis was the ancient capital of Egypt, but today, little remains of its glorious days. There’s an open-air museum with a limestone statue of Ramses II and a giant alabaster sphinx.
Saqqara is located approximately 20 km south of the Giza Pyramids. It’s where Egyptian kings and nobility were buried, and it’s known for Djoser’s Step Pyramid, which marked the beginning of pyramid construction in the 27th century BC. The rock-cut galleries of Serapeum, where mummified bodies of sacred Apis bulls were buried, are also worth exploring.
Dahshur is essentially a pyramid field, some of which are among the most impressive and historically significant in pyramid construction history. The Red Pyramid is named after the color of the limestone used in its construction. The Bent Pyramid is perhaps the most mysterious of all because of its change in slope towards the top.
Upper Egypt
Before the advent of mass tourism in the Red Sea resorts, cruising the Nile between Luxor and Aswan was the most popular tourist activity in Egypt. Even today, Nile cruises remain the best choice for those interested in ancient Egyptian civilization and for those who enjoy relaxing vacations amidst the magnificent landscape of the Nile. For those who love river travel but have already experienced the classic tour, there is also the option of cruising on Lake Nasser with its stunning scenery and tranquility, as the area is mostly uninhabited and only a few larger and smaller ships cruise on it.
Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient times, was the ancient capital of Egypt between 2100 and 750 BC, during the peak of the Pharaonic civilization. With recent reconstruction and renovation, it is evolving into the world’s largest open-air museum. Some say it contains nearly one-third of the world’s antiquities. The most famous attractions on the east bank of the Nile include the Karnak Temple complex, the Luxor Temple, and the Mummification Museum. On the west bank, well-preserved tombs reveal the ancient Egyptian concept of eternal life in the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Valley of the Nobles. You can also take a hot air balloon ride to view these sights from the air, enjoy a traditional felucca sail on the Nile at sunset, take a stroll along the Nile promenade, or go on a carriage ride through the city to feel its pulse.
Aswan is the southernmost city in Egypt and is considered by many to be the most beautiful winter resort due to its charming landscape, warm weather, and relaxed atmosphere. You can sail on a felucca (traditional sailboat) to the botanical gardens on Kitchener’s Island or to Elephantine Island to explore the rock temples and the Nilometer, or simply cruise along the Nile and observe nature. With a motorboat, you can navigate through the natural reserve with its cataracts, rich vegetation, and birdlife, and stop at a Nubian village to learn about their way of life. In the city, you’ll find the Nubian Museum, which hosts an exhibition on Nubian land and life, built in memory of Nubia as it was before the construction of the High Dam. The largest Pharaonic monument here is the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. There is also a quarry with an unfinished obelisk, allowing you to easily imagine how they were carved from the rock. On the west bank, you’ll find the impressive Aga Khan Mausoleum, where Aga Khan received treatment for arthritis, the Monastery of St. Simeon, and the tombs of nobles. If you stop at the High Dam, completed in 1971, you can see across Lake Nasser, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes.
Abu Simbel is located 280 km south of Aswan and is famous not only for its temples but also for the magnificent effort to preserve them when they were at risk of destruction after the construction of the High Dam. The temples at Abu Simbel were built by Ramesses II. The larger one is entirely carved into the rock and was built in honor of Ramesses II and dedicated to the god of the sun, Amun-Ra. The smaller temple was built for his wife, Queen Nefertari, and is dedicated to the goddess Hathor. Both temples have well-preserved reliefs on their walls and ceilings. The skill of the builders is evident in an event that occurs twice a year, on February 22 and October 22 (believed to be the birth and coronation dates of Pharaoh Ramesses II). On these dates, sunlight penetrates the sanctuary and illuminates the statues of Amun, Ramesses II, and Ra, but not that of Ptah, the god of the underworld, which remains in darkness.
Lake Nasser is the most visible result of the construction of the High Dam in Aswan and stretches 500 km south of Aswan deep into Sudan. It reaches depths of over 180 meters in some places and covers 6,000 square kilometers, making it one of the world’s largest artificial reservoirs. Along its shores and on its islands, you can find remnants of Nubian monuments that you can explore on a cruise: the Kalabsha Temple, the Wadi El Seboua Temple, El Dakka and Mehraka, the Amada Temple, the Derr Temple, Qasr Ibrim, and the tomb of Pennut. The lake’s depth makes it ideal for fishing, and many anglers have set record catches here.
Edfu is located approximately halfway between Luxor and Aswan, with a settlement dating back to the Ptolemaic period when a temple dedicated to the god Horus was constructed. Horus is depicted as a falcon, and the temple is one of the most beautiful temples and the second-largest after the Karnak complex.
Kom Ombo, 45 km north of Aswan, is home to a symmetrical temple dedicated to the gods Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (a form of the god Horus). It sits atop a hill overlooking the Nile and can be easily spotted from a distance if you approach Kom Ombo by boat. One wall of the temple features carvings of surgical and medical instruments and procedures, shedding light on ancient medicine. There is also a chamber with three mummified crocodiles. At sunset, it offers a spectacular view as the stone temple changes color when the sun sets and becomes illuminated as darkness falls.
Dendara is a village about 60 km north of Luxor (on the west bank of the Nile near Qena). The Greco-Roman temple there is dedicated to the goddess Hathor and is particularly known for the ceiling’s symbolic representation of the sky and the first known calendar.
Abydos was the most important pilgrimage site for ancient Egyptians (comparable to Mecca for modern-day Muslims), housing the cult center of the god Osiris. The temple of Seti I in Abydos displays some of the finest artistic works of ancient Egypt, with exceptionally high-quality low reliefs
The Red Sea and the Eastern Desert
The mainland coast of the Red Sea offers some popular beach holiday destinations for relaxation and underwater exploration. Snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kiteboarding, and golf are just a few of the activities that tourists can enjoy. The proximity to many interesting places and Bedouin desert life provides plenty of opportunities for day trips.
Hurghada has transformed over the last 40 years from a small fishing village into a city with over 200,000 residents, mostly involved in a thriving tourism industry. Hurghada is an ideal place for a seaside vacation, offering a wide choice of hotels and entertainment, as well as vibrant nightlife. New resorts are being built along the coast towards Safaga in bays like Sal Hashish, Makadi, and Soma. While the coral reef is somewhat farther from the shore in some areas, it can be visited on boat excursions.
El-Gouna is a luxurious resort located 25 km north of Hurghada and is popular among both the Egyptian elite, who own many properties there, and tourists. It was built in the early 1990s on several islands connected by bridges and canals. In addition to hotels, restaurants, and entertainment, there is also a golf course within the resort.
Safaga has fewer developed tourist facilities than neighboring Hurghada, although it is better known for its healthy climate and spas that offer natural healing treatments for psoriasis, joint pain, and skin inflammations.
Marsa Alam experienced significant tourist growth in recent years, and there are now several luxury tourist resorts (including the upscale Port Ghalib resort, following a similar concept to El-Gouna) along its nearly 130 km of coastline. The town itself is quite modest with not much to see or do, so most activities are within the tourist complexes. It’s worth noting that the Marsa Alam area is generally windy, making it quite pleasant even in the summer. From here, you can also take a trip to the Hamata Islands, also known as the Egyptian Maldives.
The monasteries of the Eastern Desert found safe refuge among the hills of the Red Sea. The Monasteries of St. Paul and St. Anthony are the oldest Egyptian monasteries, dating back to the beginnings of Christian monasticism about 16 centuries ago. Due to their isolation, many rituals have remained largely unchanged over time.
The Eastern Desert mountain range runs along the coast and is crossed when traveling from Hurghada to the Nile Valley. These are the highest mountains in Egypt after Sinai, reaching 2,100 meters. They are accessible with Bedouin guides, and day trips from Hurghada are also available.
Sinai and the Red Sea
The Sinai Peninsula, serving as a bridge between Africa and Asia, has been the site of many historical events and battles in both ancient and more recent times. While rich in cultural heritage and natural beauty, tourism activity only began to flourish in the mid-1970s. In the 1990s, the tourism industry exploded, especially around Sharm El-Sheikh, transforming the desert into tourist complexes with numerous hotels and entertainment options. Apart from beach vacations and water sports, Sinai also offers various religious and historical sites and excellent hiking opportunities in the mountains. Even if you opt for a beach holiday, there are plenty of day trips available to explore Sinai.
Sharm El-Sheikh is the most luxurious resort in Sinai, known for its famous nightlife district in Naama Bay, where you can find a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, nightclubs, and casinos. There are also many shops selling both local and international products. A newer market, Soho, follows a similar concept. On the Old Market at the other end of the Hadaba plateau, you’ll find bazaars, some good local restaurants, and entertainment venues carved into the rock. Newer developments now extend toward Nabq Bay, where you’ll find another shopping and entertainment center called La Strada. In short, Sharm El-Sheikh offers almost everything a tourist could desire. Numerous day trips around Sinai are also available.
Nabq Bay is the northeastern area of Sharm El-Sheikh where the hotels end, and the natural park begins. It’s rich in mangrove forests and is the northernmost place on the planet where you can still find mangroves. Due to its lush vegetation, it attracts many birds, and it also features beautiful coral reefs, although the beach may not be in the best condition. You can also take a close look at the wreckage of the German ship named Maria Shroeder from World War II.
Ras Mohammed is the first marine national park in Egypt and is a protected area that primarily allows only day visitors, though some Bedouins have set up simple camps where you can stay. Apart from probably the best coral reefs for snorkeling, there are relaxation and swimming lagoons, the Magic Lake, mangroves, and underwater shipwrecks that can be explored by divers.
Dahab, located approximately 85 km north of Sharm El-Sheikh, is known for being a more relaxed resort, especially in the Bedouin village of Asilah, which gained a reputation as a hippie colony in the 1960s. While the Bedouin tents and camps have mostly been replaced by concrete buildings, the atmosphere remains. Dahab’s lagoon is surrounded by hotels and is famous for surfing and kiteboarding due to constant winds and warm water throughout the year. Nearby is the famous Blue Hole dive site.
Abu Galum is a national park under the Sinai Mountains with a coral reef and the option to camp in simple thatched huts. You can reach the bay either by camel or on foot from the Blue Hole, or by 4×4 car from Nuweiba. Nearby is the Blue Lagoon, a true paradise for kiteboarders.
Nuweiba is the least developed of all the towns on the eastern coast of Sinai, with a few five and four-star hotels and predominantly camps and basic accommodations. Aside from a few shops and cafes in the center of town, there isn’t much entertainment. However, Nuweiba offers some beautiful beaches, a coral reef, and the tranquility that you won’t find in the livelier resorts.
Taba is a city on the border with Israel overlooking the Gulf of Aqaba. It has a few five-star resorts and other classes of accommodation. Its development has been boosted by the international airport and a golf course. Due to its proximity to Israel and Jordan, it’s also an excellent place for day trips to explore places in these countries, although crossing the border can sometimes involve a lengthy process. Near Taba is Pharaoh’s Island with the Salah El-Din fortress.
St. Catherine is best known for the monastery dating back to 337 AD when the Byzantine Empress Helena ordered the construction of a chapel around the Burning Bush, a pilgrimage site. The granite basilica was built by Justinian in the 6th century. Today, the site is managed as a Greek Orthodox monastery and can be visited every day except Fridays, Sundays, and religious holidays. The town is also the starting point for climbing Mount Sinai or the beginning of 4×4 car safaris or hiking with Bedouin guides.
Mount Sinai is considered to be the mountain mentioned in the Bible where Moses received the Ten Commandments. It has become a pilgrimage site, and many tourists climb to its peak for the magnificent views at sunrise over the Sinai Mountains. Two main paths lead to the top: the camel path, which is less demanding, and the steep climb up stairs carved into the rock.
The Sinai Desert and mountains offer various colorful canyons (the most famous being the Colored Canyon and White Canyon), sand dunes, oases, high peaks, and some historical monuments. Therefore, they are an excellent place for exploration by 4×4 cars or hiking with Bedouin guides.
El Tor is the administrative capital of Sinai, with many government buildings and housing blocks for civil servants. There are several interesting places for tourists, including Moses’ Bath and the Raithu Monastery. Due to its lagoon and good winds, it is a very popular spot for windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Ras Sudr is a peculiar combination of beautiful beaches and an oil refinery. The accommodations there are mainly aimed at local tourists. However, with surfers and kiteboarders discovering good wind conditions, the town is gradually developing as a tourist destination.
Northern Coast of Sinai is probably the least developed coastal area in Egypt. The most well-known resort town is El-Arish with its white sandy beaches, but it remains less popular even among local tourists. It’s much more traditional in terms of dress code and alcohol consumption compared to places on the eastern coast of Sinai, and safety can also be a challenge.
The Western Desert
The Western Desert is an extensive area covering 681,000 square kilometers, stretching from the west of the Nile towards the Libyan border and is part of the Sahara Desert in North Africa. The desert itself is very diverse and has colorful rocky terrain and vast sand dunes, making it a perfect place for desert safaris and hiking. There are several large oases within the desert that were once sources of exotic goods and places of great interest to potential invaders. Due to their remoteness, these oases still retain their unique characteristics and cultural patterns.
The White Desert is an area east of the road between Farafra and Bahariya. The entrance to the natural park is at Crystal Mountain, a ridge composed of quartz crystals. From there, you can easily approach Agabat, a natural temple made of soft sand surrounded by rock blocks. The true White Desert backdrop unfolds in an area where wind erosion has shaped white chalky monoliths into surreal forms. The White Desert is a popular destination for 4×4 cars safaris or hiking due to its unique landscape.
The Black Desert is an area southwest of Bahariya, characterized by volcano-shaped mountains and a large amount of black stones covering the brown-orange ground. Climbing one of the mountains offers a wonderful view of the desert.
The Great Sand Sea is an extensive area between the Siwa Oasis and Gilf El-Kebir, covering 72,000 square kilometers of sand dunes.
Gilf El-Kebir is a massive plateau of limestone and sandstone rising about 1000 meters above the desert floor. Located in the extreme southwest corner of Egypt, it borders Libya and Sudan. NASA is studying the terrain as it is believed to be the most similar to the surface of Mars, with valleys carved by rivers that flowed into lakes thousands of years ago, huge sand dunes, and the impressive Uwaynat mountain range. The Suri Valley features examples of prehistoric rock art. The place gained fame through the book and film “The English Patient.” Getting close to the area is very challenging and possible only by 4×4 cars, but currently, Egyptian authorities do not issue permits for such travel.
The Natron Valley is the most northern part of the desert and is easily accessible right off the Cairo-Alexandria road. Its name comes from the deposits of natron salt and several salt lakes in the area. However, the most visited sites are the ancient monasteries dating back to the beginnings of Christian monasticism: Deir al-Suryani, Deir Anba Bishoi, and Deir Abu Maqar.
Oases
Siwa is the most unique of all oases, located on the far western edge of Egypt near the Libyan border. It has managed to preserve its own culture and traditions through many centuries. There are many lakes and springs in this area, and the vegetation is rich with palm forests and olive gardens. The most interesting archaeological sites include the Oracle Temple visited by Alexander the Great, the Temple of Amun, and tombs in the Mountain of the Dead. Shali is a fortress built from mud in the center of the oasis. There is also a museum of Siwan heritage describing their unique culture and displaying artifacts. Siwa is also known for natural remedies for rheumatic conditions. Salt with its healing power is used in man-built caves.
Bahariya is the smallest of the four depressions and is located 365 km southwest of Cairo. It is rich in warm and cold water springs, known for their healing properties due to high sulfur and mineral content. The main town is Bawiti, which has some interesting archaeological sites with tombs, temple remains, and of course, the exhibition of the golden mummies discovered in the nearby Valley of the Golden Mummies.
Farafra is the smallest oasis, and apart from being the starting point for exploring the White Desert, there isn’t much to see in the town. There’s a large warm spring known as Bir 6, and Badr, a local artist, runs a craft workshop in his house with interesting uses of natural materials for painting and sculpture.
Dakhla welcomes visitors with its beautiful mix of colors (red hills, yellow sand, and green fields). The main town is Mut, and there are several villages in the oasis. The most interesting site around Dakhla is the ancient Islamic town of Al-Qasr, built on Roman ruins. It has a mosque, a labyrinth of narrow streets with well-preserved buildings, and various examples of crafts and art. There are also several tomb locations, temples, and springs.
Kharga is the closest to Luxor, and its capital, El-Kharga, is also the administrative capital of the New Valley Governorate (which includes Kharga, Dakhla, and Farafra). The town has a museum with a wide selection of artifacts from Pharaonic and Greco-Roman times. Around El-Kharga, there are various archaeological sites (Hibis Temple, Bagawat Necropolis), while on the way to Luxor, there are more temples (Qasr El-Ghewita, Qasr Al-Zayan, Dush Temple).
Fayoum is located in the depression about 100 km south of Cairo. The oasis is a blend of desert and agriculture. The lakes, including the largest, Qarun, are good places for fishing and bird watching. There are also several archaeological sites, including pyramids (the largest being Hawara Pyramid), temples, obelisks, water wheels, monasteries, and mosques. Wadi Rayan is a protected area known for its beautiful scenery, waterfalls, birds, and unique fossils in the Valley of Whales.
The Mediterranean coast
Alexandria is the second-largest city in Egypt with 5.5 million inhabitants. It’s the largest port in Egypt and a popular summer resort for Cairo residents due to its long bay of sandy beaches. Founded by Alexander the Great, it was a center of cultural activity in the region for centuries. Besides beaches, tourist attractions include Pompey’s Pillar, the Roman Theater, the Catacombs of Kom al-Shuqafa, Montaza Palace, Qaitbay Fortress, and the Library of Alexandria.
El Alamein is the site of the famous World War II battle. There are several cemeteries and a museum that describes the battle and displays artifacts from all four armies (British, Egyptian, German, and Italian).
Marsa Matrouh is a small town located 260 km west of Alexandria. It is primarily known for its white sandy beach, protected by a chain of natural rocky breakwaters that extend parallel to the shoreline. There is also Rommel’s Cave, where a German general once planned his army’s movements during World War II.
Nile Delta (Lower Egypt)
The Nile Delta is not well-known among tourists because most ancient archaeological sites, except the ruins of Tanis, Avaris, and Bubastis, have gradually disappeared. However, if you’re interested in birdwatching, Lake Manzala is one of the best spots in the country. The Delta is predominantly agricultural, and its towns are built to cater to such needs, so you can explore some distinctive Delta architecture.
Rosetta is a small town approximately 65 km east of Alexandria. The main attraction here is the architecture in the Ottoman style when Rosetta was a thriving port. Many palaces have been restored, and some are open for visits. The famous Rosetta Stone with a multilingual inscription that was key to deciphering hieroglyphs was also discovered here.
Tanta is the fifth-largest city in Egypt and is best known for hosting the largest moulid (religious festival) in the country. In October, the moulid of Sayyida Ahmed El-Badawi, founder of one of the largest Sufi brotherhoods, marks the end of the cotton harvest season and fills the city with Sufi chants, musicians, and even circus performances. It attracts a large number of vendors and spectators not only from the region and Egypt but also from other Arab countries.
Tanis, Avaris, and Bubastis are the three best-preserved archaeological sites in the Delta with pharaonic ruins of temples, cemeteries, and frescoes in Minoan style.
Lake Manzala is an excellent location for birdwatching, especially in winter when you can observe herons, spoonbills, and flamingos.
Middle Egypt or Upper Lower Egypt
Stretching between Cairo and Qena, tourists avoided this region in the 1990s due to security reasons, as it was a stronghold of militant Muslim groups. Today, security conditions have improved, and you can find more tourists there. The towns in the region are mostly visited as part of religious pilgrimages following the Holy Family’s path.
Minya is known as the “Bride of Upper Egypt” and boasts many elegant villas built by Italian architects for Greek and Egyptian cotton magnates. Around Minya, there are several archaeological sites, including the Monastery of the Virgin, Fraser Tombs, the Church of Aba Hur, and the Beni Hassan Tombs.
Asyut is a typical Egyptian city with narrow streets and densely populated buildings. Near Asyut is Dairunka with the present-day Monastery of the Virgin, and in El-Kusi, there are the burnt Monastery and the Meir Tombs.
Sohag is the third-largest city on the Nile in the south and has a significant Christian population. On Mondays, it transforms into a large livestock market. However, it is mainly visited as a starting point for visiting the Red and White Monasteries nearby.
TYhe Suez Canal Area
The Suez Canal has been a crucial maritime passage connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean since its construction in the late 19th century. It spans 167 km, making it the third-longest canal in the world and the longest without locks. You can visit towns in the vicinity on your way from Cairo to Sinai, especially if you want to watch ships passing through the canal. In spring, it’s also interesting for birdwatching as hawks and eagles fly over Suez.
Port Said was built when the construction of the Suez Canal began and became the main port by the end of the 19th century. The port is still the primary activity in the city with half a million inhabitants. It has some relatively good beaches, and 12 km to the west is the Al-Gameel Natural Reserve, known for fishing.
Ismailia is called the “City of Gardens and Flowers.” It’s located halfway between Port Said and Suez and was mostly built for foreign workers of the Suez Canal Company. Near Lake Timsah, there are beautiful beaches.